Widening participation backgrounds & safeguarding

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2. Why might students from WP backgrounds be at greater risk of harm?

Students from widening participation backgrounds may be more likely to experience abuse due to several interrelated factors:

Vulnerability Due to Socioeconomic Factors:

  • Financial Strain: Economic instability can lead to high-stress environments, potentially making students more susceptible to abusive relationships or situations.
  • Housing Instability: Those in precarious living conditions may face exploitation or abuse, particularly if they are living in unsafe environments.
Limited Support Networks:

  • Isolation: Students may lack strong support systems, leaving them more vulnerable to manipulation or abuse.
  • Lack of Mentorship: Students may struggle to recognize or address abusive situations without mentors to guide them.
Educational Disparities:

  • Lower Awareness of Rights: Students from underrepresented backgrounds may not be as informed about their rights or available resources.
  • Inadequate Preparation: These students may not have the same education around healthy relationships and personal safety.
Discrimination and Prejudice:

  • Experiences of Marginalisation: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status can increase vulnerability to abuse, as individuals may feel pressured to tolerate harmful situations.
  • Cultural Barriers: Cultural norms and stigmas may discourage reporting abuse, especially in communities where seeking help is viewed negatively.
Mental Health Factors:

  • Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressures of navigating education, financial instability, and social isolation can exacerbate mental health issues, leaving students more susceptible to harmful relationships.
  • Historical Trauma: Some students may carry the effects of past trauma, impacting their resilience and increasing vulnerability to further abuse.
Lack of Access to Resources:

  • Limited Access to Support Services: Students may not know about or have access to services that can help them navigate abusive situations.
  • Transportation and Mobility Issues: Practical barriers to accessing resources can prevent people from seeking help or escaping abusive circumstances.
References:



Education in England (EPI)- Annual Report 2018 Key Drivers of the Disadvantage Gap